Abstract

Background

Obesity is a chronic disease with significant health and economic consequences. This study aimed to assess the overall attitude of treatment-naïve adults with obesity in Greece toward anti-obesity pharmacotherapy (primary outcome) and to examine secondary outcomes and determinants, including willingness to use medication if reimbursed, perceived safety and efficacy, desire for physician discussion, prior information received, and occupational schedule, that may shape willingness to initiate pharmacologic treatment.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 95 adults with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² were recruited from obesity clinics in Greece. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, beliefs about obesity, weight loss history, and perceptions toward pharmacotherapy. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were used to explore associations.

Results

Most participants (86.5%) recognized obesity as a disease, but 94.8% still viewed it as a personal failing. While only 22.3% expressed a clearly positive attitude toward pharmacotherapy, 63.2% wished to discuss such options with their physicians. The majority were uncertain about the safety (65.6%) and efficacy (58.3%) of these medications. Willingness to consider pharmacotherapy increased significantly with prior information (p < 0.001) and in the context of insurance reimbursement (p = 0.014). Participants with irregular work schedules were more likely to view medications as safe and effective.

Conclusions

People with obesity hold mixed but potentially modifiable views toward pharmacological treatment. As the first study, to the best of our knowledge, to assess these attitudes among Greek adults, our findings fill an important evidence gap and highlight the need to address informational and structural barriers in obesity care policy.